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Commentator sacked for 'degrading' remark about female reporter

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read
ESPN reporter Maria Taylor, pictured here on the field prior to a college football game.
ESPN reporter Maria Taylor on the field prior to a college football game. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images)

Radio host Dan McNeil has been fired after making “degrading” and “unacceptable” comments about ESPN reporter Maria Taylor.

Entercom, the parent company of radio station ‘670 The Score’ in Chicago, sacked McNeil after he tweeted and deleted a sexist and misogynist comparison about Taylor.

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McNeil tweeted about Taylor during her debut as a sideline reporter on Monday Night Football, suggesting her outfit made her look like she should be hosting an adult film awards show.

“NFL sideline reporter or a host for the AVN (Adult Video News) annual awards presentation?” McNeil tweeted alongside a photo of Taylor.

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A post shared by Maria Taylor (@mariataylor) on

Awful Announcing captured a screenshot of McNeil’s tweet before he deleted it.

“Dan McNeil is no longer an employee at The Score,” Rachel Williamson, regional president for Entercom, said in a statement.

“For each one of us our words have power. For our brands and on-air personalities that is amplified and brings increased responsibility how we choose to use our voices.

“Last night’s tweet, and its degrading and humiliating tone to a fellow female broadcaster, was unacceptable.

“We have the best teams in Chicago, and we must continue to hold ourselves to high expectations to continue to be leaders in our organisation, our industry and our community. We apologise to all who were offended by Dan’s words, especially Maria.”

Maria Taylor claps back at ‘sexist’ remarks

Taylor also condemned McNeil’s comment on social media.

“Well Danny Dearest if you would like to continue making sexist comments about me … please bring your misogyny with you to the NBA Countdown double-header I’ll be hosting tomorrow night,” she tweeted.

“Hey ladies remember you can wear whatever you feel confident in!”

Taylor’s tweet sparked an outpouring of support from the sporting world.

New Orleans Saints player Demario Davis tweeted: “100 per cent unacceptable! It’s time for men to stand up, respect and defend our women. 1st of all, put some respect on Maria Taylor’s name. 2nd of all, Maria Taylor is family … dude don’t want them problems.”

A number of ESPN colleagues also praised Taylor for her classy response.

with Yahoo Sports US